Water supply control apparatus and method for use in homes or other structures

Abstract

A water supply control apparatus for use in homes or other structures is provided that incorporates a radio frequency transmitter and a receiver regulating the open or closed state of an electrical solenoid valve in fluid communication with a structure's water supply. A by-pass switch enabling manual regulation of the solenoid valve is mounted on the valve itself. Also provided is a method of controlling the flow of water supplied to a structure utilizing radio frequency pulse broadcasts to regulate the open or closed state of the solenoid valve.

Description

INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 096,881, filed, Sep. 15, 2008 and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 219,159, filed, Jun. 22, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a convenient home, or other structure, water supply control apparatus and a method for using same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Virtually all owners of improved property recognize the threat to their structures posed by water damage caused by plumbing leakage. Investigation of this problem reveals that cleanup and repair costs attributable to water damage exceed one billion dollars annually. It destroys wallboard, wallpaper and paint, electrical fixtures and wiring, carpeting and padding, vinyl flooring, subflooring, and all manner of furniture and decorative items. Irreplaceable items such as financial records, photos, and mementos are destroyed b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus allowing a structure's occupant to conveniently turn off the water supply to his or her structure each time they leave.

[0008]Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables automatic shut-off of the structure's water supply in the event of a power outage, thereby alleviating the necessity of manual shut-off.

Problems solved by technology

Investigation of this problem reveals that cleanup and repair costs attributable to water damage exceed one billion dollars annually.

It destroys wallboard, wallpaper and paint, electrical fixtures and wiring, carpeting and padding, vinyl flooring, subflooring, and all manner of furniture and decorative items.

Following such repairs, the structure will likely be permanently subject to mildew and related odors.

Structural water damage due to plumbing leakage occurs most often while the occupants are not present.

Causes of such leakage range from frozen pipes that break resulting in water flow when thawing occurs, broken lines connected to shut-off valves attached to toilet tanks, refrigerator ice-makers, dishwashers, or a broken hose connected to a washing machine.

Such closing causes a hammering effect on the line, in turn causing breakage in any weak areas.

Many people do not know the location of the main water shut-off valve in their structure.

In addition, it is often the case that water leakage occurs due to a natural catastrophe, which is typically accompanied by an electrical power outage.

Because water damage can be severe in a relatively short amount of time, a search throughout a structure, particularly a darkened one, for the water shut-off valve can result in disaster.

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